Hello! My name is Eric Lam and I'm a twenty-three year old graduate student at Simon Fraser Univeristy with an intense love of history and English literature. A true Vancouverite, I have previously completed my B.A. in history and English literature and have finished a B.Ed. from the University of British Columbia. Currently, I am a teacher-on-call, but because of my full-time commitment to the M.A. program I rarely have time to work. Baring any major upheavals in my life that will change my life view, I look forward to years of secondary school teaching (and union benefits...Yahoo! Don't tell me that the BCTF isn't useful!). 

My interests in history range greatly, but British naval history, imperial politics and foreign affairs rank high on my list. (Some of my other interests include European dynastic history and French grand siecle history). In fact, I'm planning to complete my Master's thesis on British naval history (more specifically, culture and the Royal Navy). Rather than building a banal homepage, discussing what I did last summer, these pages represent a simple outpouring of my interests in this particular subject area. I hope to expand them in the near future, dealing with historical topics like the Dreadnought race between Great Britain and Germany and Lord Fisher's effect on naval policy.

On the fun side, other things I enjoy include classical music. I play the piano, violin, viola, flute, harpsichord, alto recorder and some more. There is the obvious fear that I might become a "jack of all trades, master of none." Keyboard is still, however, my main concentration. A piano teaching diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music is in the works. Indeed, one of my most spiritually uplifting experiences was being able to teach a string orchestra class at the secondary school where I completed my B.Ed. practicum. Other than all this 'stuffy stuff,' I like all the things that an active young man would like: sports, movies, reading, swimming, bowling and just hanging out with good friends. Cycling is one of my big faves. Any cyclists looking for a workout partner drop me an email!

My favourite Latinate saying is of my own making: "Tempus Fugit so you'd better Carpe Diem!" For all you Latin illiterates (which is unfortunately mostly everyone nowadays): Time flies so you'd better seize the day!

Thanks in advance for any comments you might have on my website.

P.S. One more saying: "Timeo Danaos et Dona Ferentes." (Beware of Greeks bearing gifts) A little caution we could all use in whatever situations we find ourselves in. (Okay, okay...I admit: usually sexual situations).  ^_^

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